First Station: Basic computer knowledge
Microphone
Theme 1: Types of Equipment
1. Desktop or desktop computer
A device that has separate parts, such as chassis,
monitor, keyboard and a mouse.
2. Notebook or laptop
Portable equipment that can be used with a battery or
be plugged in. It is easy to handle and transport.
3. Ultrabook
An ultra-thin, lightweight laptop with great battery
autonomy that does not affect performance.
4. Tablet
Portable mobile equipment operated mainly by a
touch screen.
5. Smartphone
A mobile phone that encompasses many of the key
technologies of communication and services (access
to email, Internet and GPS) used in a computer or
other devices.
Although different, the devices shown are all considered
computational systems.
A computer system consists of a set of electronic
components called ”hardware”, as well as programs or
applications (APPs), called ”software”.
Computational systems are composed of two parts:
hardware and software.
The hardware is the physical piece.
The software is the logical piece
The hardware part is the physical part, everything that
we can hold in our hands. It corresponds to the set of parts
that make the computer run, like the mouse, the keyboard,
the printer and the monitor.
The hardware can be divided into components for input,
output, processing and storage.
Input components
These are used to enter data into a computer.
1. Keyboard
A device that has a series of buttons with letters, numbers
and symbols, used to enter data, information and
commands that are projected on computer screens, tablets
and smartphones.
2. Webcam
An input device that captures images and transfers them
to a computer. These days, it’s commonly used for
videoconferencing.
3. Mouse
An external device that, along with the keyboard, allows
data entry. Its function is to move the cursor around the
monitor.
4. Scanner
An external device for scanning images, photos and text.
5.
Input device that captures audio.
Output components
They are responsible for providing the user with data from
computer output (images, sounds, videos, text and
others).
1. Monitor
Output external device that displays system information
to the user.
2. Printer
External device output whose function is to print text,
graphics and images. There are types of printers for every
need, be it at home or for the company.
3. Speaker
A box built around a speaker, which propagates the sound
and improves sound reproduction, either increasing or
decreasing volume.
Processing components
Within the processing components, data is processed and
information is generated that will be displayed on the
output components.
Processing units
The main component is the CPU (central processing
unit) or processor.
The CPU and other important computer components
fit onto the Motherboard, as shown in the figure on
the side.
Functions of the Motherboard include performing the
instructions of a computer program, implementation
of basic arithmetic, logic, and input and output of
data, etc.
Storage Components
We need storage devices for information to be recorded.
A computer has devices that store information so that it is
not deleted when the computer is turned off. See the
examples below:
DVD (digital versatile disc)
A disk with the ability to record data in digital format. As
it is newer than the CD, it also has much higher data
storage capacity.
1. Flash drive
A device composed of a flash memory, which can store
data for long periods of time without electrical power.
2. Hard drive or hard disk (HD)
A hardware component used to store data permanently,
and in great quantity. External hard drives are more
practical because they can be loaded into backpacks and
briefcases.
3. Online or cloud storage
The data is stored online, so that it can be accessed
anywhere, anytime and from different devices.
For example: Google Drive, DropBox, SkyDrive.
Ports are used to connect the computer to external
devices. Look:
a. PS/2 port
Used to connect a mouse and a keyboard. Refer to the
equipment manual to check the location of each
connection.
b. USB Port (universal serial bus)
Designed to be universally compatible with a wide variety
of devices.
c. Parallel port
Used to connect an external device, such as a printer.
d. Serial port
Remote control of equipment, such as routers, switches
and mouse.
e. HDMI port
Used to connect the video monitor or multimedia
projector: HDMI and VGA.
f. Game Port
Used to connect joysticks.
g. Audio input and output
Used to connect speakers and microphones.
h. Video Port
Used to connect a video monitor or multimedia projector.
Programs installed on your computer are called Software.
They can be divided into three groups: basic, utilities and
applications. See the different types of software below.
Basic software is essential to run the computer.
 Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS and Android are
examples of operating systems. Later in this course,
we will have an entire lesson dedicated to the
operating system.
 Its main function is to ensure the proper functioning
of the computer. Anti-virus software is an example of
a utility that serves to protect your computer from
virus attacks and intruders.
 Applications are software programs that serve the
user, such as a text editor, a web browser or a
spreadsheet editor
Software is installed on storage devices. The most
common storage drive is the hard drive (HD). The HD
should be set up to receive the operating system and other
software. You can create one or more partitions on it. It
must be formatted to receive a file system.
SystemPartitions
 Partitions can be defined as divisions of a hard drive,
i.e. technically speaking, logical or physical portions
of a hard drive.
 Partitions can store information.
 A disk must be partitioned to accommodate and
organize the data inside.
A tip for the use of partitions on a hard drive is to create
one partition for the Windows operating system, one for
the Linux operating system, and another for data only
(there can be more than one operating system on the same
computer).
Therefore, if there is problem on a single partition, you
only need to reinstall that partition and its programs, as
the data on the other partitions are unaffected.
Different types of printers.
1. Dot matrix printer or impact printer
Works with tape, prints with carbon and makes noise
when printing.
2. Inkjet printer
Works with ink cartridges to print text, spreadsheets,
photos and graphics.
3. Laser printer
Works with toner and consumes more electricity than
inkjet printers of the same size.
4. Plotter
Used for large-scale and high quality prints, such as
banners.
5. Multifunction
Integrates printing, copying and scanning functions
into one machine.
An operating system is a set of programs that manages,
or controls the use of all the resources of the computer.
For example, it controls the processor, the memory, the
input and output devices, and program implementation.
Now let’s learn more about some operating systems.
MacOS
This is the operating system of Apple devices, like the
MacBook. It is proprietary software, meaning you need a
license to use it.
Linux
It is an open source operating system, allowing people to
contribute to its ongoing development. It is a
free software, i.e. it may be used, copied, studied,
modified and redistributed without restriction.
Windows
It is a widely used operating system, since it is compatible
with most computers in the market. It is
proprietary software.
An operating system is a set of programs, (software) that
are used to manage system resources. Input and output
components are processing elements, as well
as hardware. The computer system is formed
by hardware and software working together.
Operating systems have a Control Panel, where the
required configurations for the operating systems are set.
We will use Windows as an example in this course, so
we'll show you how to use it. Here are some configurable
items.
Windows is both a multi-tasking and a multi-user
operating system.
 This means it can be used by more than one user, and
each user can perform multiple tasks simultaneously,
e.g. editing text and surfing the Internet.
 A multi-tasking system allows the processor to
perform multiple tasks at the same time. A multi-user
system allows multiple users to access the computer
at the same time.
Device Manager
 The Device Manager is a Control Panel item that
verifies the installed hardware.
 This item enables the installation and updating of
device drivers on the hardware.
Programs and Features
 This section of the Control Panel is used to uninstall
or add/remove features of installed programs on the
hardware.
Task Manager
 The Task Manager monitors the computer's
performance and manages the programs and services
running on the system.
To take care of computer security, you need:
1. A firewall, which helps protect your computer by
preventing access by people or malicious programs.
2. An anti-virus program, which helps to protect your
computer against viruses and other security threats.
3. An antispyware program, which helps to protect your
computer against spyware and other unwanted
programs.
4. An operating system that is configured to
automatically check for, and install, updates to your
computer.
The operating system manages system resources, such
as the use of RAM memory, CPU and file management.
The user's appointments can be managed
by software, hardware upgrades refer to parts
replacement and threats to the system are counteracted by
anti-malware software.
There are different operating systems, and each has a
primary feature.
 Windows is a closed system, which requires a license,
but it is widely used in devices from different
manufacturers.
 Linux’s open operating system encourages
collaboration and does not require a license.
The mouse is a commonly-used device, separate to the
computer, which serves to position the pointer on the
computer screen.
The computer keyboard is a commonly-used device,
separate from the computer, which allows data and
commands to be entered into the computer. It has keys
representing letters, numbers, and symbols, along with
other functions.
Esc
This cancels the current operation.
Softkey
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11 and F12.
These are keys that can be programmed for special
functions. Each program uses the function keys in a
different way.
Caps Lock
This is used to lock capital letters. When enabled, this key
causes the text to be typed in all caps. Check if the Caps
Lock key light is illuminated on the keyboard.
Depending on the keyboard, signaling that the key is
active varies, especially on notebooks.
Shift
On its own, it does nothing. It is used in combination with
other keys. It is held down while another key is pressed.
The most common function of the Shift key is switching
between uppercase and lowercase when editing text.
Delete or Del
This deletes the character that is to the right of the text
cursor. It is also used to delete files and objects selected
on the screen.
Control or Ctrl
On its own, it does nothing. It is used in combination with
other keys. It is held down while another key is pressed.
Windows
You’ll find this on almost all current keyboards, and
serves as a shortcut in Windows. When just this button is
pressed, it activates the Windows Start Menu, and when
combined with other keys, you can open or perform some
specific tasks.
Alt
On its own, it does nothing. It is used in combination with
other keys. It is held down while another key is pressed.
Alt Gr
This accesses the third character of the key. In the absence
of Alt Gr, you can use Ctrl+Alt.
Fn
This activates certain functions, which vary according to
computer model.
Backspace
This deletes the character that is to the left of the text
cursor.
Enter
This confirms commands, and also creates new lines in
the text editor.
Num Lock or NumLk
This enables the numeric keypad. Check if the Num Lock
key light is illuminated on the keyboard.
Second Station: Directories and files
Welcome to the second station. Here, you can explore
folders (directories) and files.
 Folders, files and programs
 Editing of documents
File” is the name given to a set of recorded information.
 When we type text, for example, the text editing
program lets you save the information, transforming
it into a file that can be placed on any storage device,
such as the hard drive.
“Folder” is the name given to the place where files that
can be stored on the hard drive, and flash drives, etc. are
stored.
 Other folders can also be saved within folders.
Folders can also be called “directories”.
 We can therefore conclude that folders can be
compared to drawers, and files can be compared to
documents.
 Both files and folders must have a name. Actually, a
name and a "surname".
A file consists of a name and an extension, separated by
a dot.
 The extension is like a "surname", which tells
Windows what to do when the file is executed.
 For example, if the file is a document, the
extension will be associated with the program
that will be used to view or modify the document.
Examples of file extensions
 .avi - video file
 .bmp - image file
 .dll - library file
 .doc or .docx - Word text file
 .exe - executable file
 .gif - image file
 .jpg - image file
 .mdb or .mdbx - Access Database file
 .mp3 - audio file
 .pdf - Electronic document file of Adobe Acrobat
Reader
 .ppt - PowerPoint presentation file
 .rar - compressed file
 .txt - text file
 .wav - audio file
 .xls or .xlsx - Excel spreadsheet file
Use File Manager to access folders and files. This is
a Windows application that is also used to create
folders and subfolders.
Third Station: All about the Internet
Welcome to the third station. Here, you can explore the
Internet.
 Computer networks
 Internet
 Internet browsing
 ISPs and connection types
 Search
 Email
The Internet is the connection of many computer
networks.
LAN – local area network
 A local computer network that covers a relatively
small area. Most LANs are confined to a single
building or group of buildings.
WAN - Wide Area Network
 A wide area network that allows transmission of data
over greater geographical distances. A WAN is
slower than a LAN. An Internet connection is an
example of a WAN.
Domestic and corporate networks.
Home Network
 A small LAN that normally has only one router to
connect to the Internet.
Business Network
 A larger LAN that can have multiple routers to
connect to different networks.
Protocols
In a network, computers communicate through protocols,
which are sets of predefined rules that describe how things
should be, the order in which they should happen, and
what to do in case of errors.
 Just as a house has a street number (unique and non-
transferable), on the Internet and in networks,
IP (Internet Protocol) is the protocol used to give
computers an address.
 A computer has a numerical address called “IP
address”.
 An IP address consists of four numbers separated by
dots, each of which may vary from 0 to 255.
For example, 23.37.224.170.
 The IP address we just saw is actually a set of bits.
Bit
 It means binary digit, which is the smallest unit of
information that can be stored or transmitted.
 The computer communicates through a binary
system, which will be explained further below.
A bit can only have two values, 0 or 1.
 1 byte = 8 bits
 1 kilobyte (KB or Kbyte) = 1024 bytes
 1 megabyte (MB or Mbytes) = 1024 kilobytes
 1 gigabyte (GB or Gbyte) = 1024 megabytes
 1 terabyte (TB or Tbytes) = 1024 gigabytes
The amount of bytes defines the size of the data
traveling on the network.
 Typically, the information to be transmitted has
several bytes, and therefore must be divided into what
we call “packets”.
 On the Internet, the network breaks an email
message, for example, into parts that are called
“packets”. Each of these packets receives a source IP
address and a destination, and it is then sent over the
network.
 Each of these packages can be compared to a letter
that has the both the recipient's and the sender’s
addresses, and it is sent by the Post Office, which is
responsible for transporting it to its destination.
 In networks, routers play the role of the Post Office,
and are responsible for forwarding packets through
the network until they reach their destination.
The router is a device used to connect different computer
networks to each other, enabling the routing of packets.
 It directs which path the traffic of information
should follow, which facilitates communication
between networks.
Firewall
 An application or piece of equipment, which is
usually between the LAN and the WAN.
 It checks and filters the data stream, controlling
communications passing over the network, either
allowing or blocking them.
Home router
 It bridges the gap between a home network and
the Internet, and provides connectivity, usually to
computers, TVs and mobile devices, such as
tablets and smartphones.
Corporate router
 A more sophisticated, and therefore more
expensive, piece of equipment dedicated to
forwarding packets and finding the best path
between networks (networks that are larger than
domestic networks), located both within and
outside of the company.
Switch
 A piece of equipment that connects computers
within the same network.
 In order to reduce costs and popularize the
technology, home routers have a switch module
built in.
 On the other hand, corporate models use
equipment dedicated to the function of the switch.
Some terms used on the WWW (or Web)
Hypertext
- An electronic document that contains hyperlinks.
- Hypertext is organized to promote non-linear
navigation, where the users create their own reading
choices, unlike a book, where it's usually necessary to
read the first chapter in order to understand chapter 2,
and so on.
Website
- Also known as a site, this is a set of web pages.
Homepage
- The homepage of a site.
URL
- A web address. For example, http://www.cisco.com.
Hyperlink
- A hyperlink is a location in the hypertext, which the
user clicks to open another page. Typically,
hyperlinks are underlined.
Some of the most important services on the Internet are:
a. Browsing the World Wide Web – WWW
b. Email (or electronic mail)
Navigating the World Wide Web and email are called
services
Through these and other services, you can access:
To access these services, the user establishes a
client-server type Internet connection, where the user's
computer is the client and the services are installed on
servers.
That’s why you can access the services from
anywhere in the world.
Connection Types
1. Dial-up connection –
- Also known as dial-up connection.
- With this type of Internet access, a person uses a
modem and a standard telephone line.
2. DSL connection
- This type of access is provided through the
conventional telephone network, but it is different
from dial-up, since even if the user is logged on and
surfing the Internet, the phone line will be released
and may be used anytime for voice calls.
- This is a type of broadband connection, offering
speeds faster than dial-up.
3. Cable connection
- A cable connection uses the same infrastructure as
cable TV service, where both the TV service and the
Internet data pass through the same connection at the
same time.
- This is also a type of broadband connection.
4. Other connection types
Other ways to connect to the Internet:
1. Satellite connection
2. Radio connection
3. Connection via mobile phone (3G, 4G)
- In order to be transmitted through a physical medium,
information must be encrypted.
- When we speak, our message is encoded into sound
waves by the sender, and decoded by the recipient's
ear.
- A computer encodes the information into electrical
signals that it puts on the cable network.
Coding examples
Encryption: A set of rules that put information into code
so that only the sender and the receiver are able to
understand it.
Morse Code: a binary representation of numbers, letters,
and graphical signals, which uses short and long sounds,
and dots and dashes to communicate messages. It was
developed in 1835 by the painter and inventor, Samuel
Finley Breese Morse.
You connect to the Internet through an ISP, which is
an Internet Service Provider.
- Normally, you get that connection by paying a fee,
just like utility companies that provide water and
light.
- The most common way to connect to an ISP is using
a broadband connection.
- Many ISPs offer services, such as email accounts,
exclusive content, personal website hosting, etc.
Diagram of a home network with an Internet
connection:
Lan:
For example:
Bluetooth
WiFi
ethernet cable
Information on some types of LAN and WAN
connections.
WiFi
- The term, ”WiFi”, loosely translated, means wireless,
or a connection to transmit information without the
use of wires or cables.
- WiFi is a wireless technology used to connect devices
on a local network.
Bluetooth
- This is the name given to a piece of wireless
technology for wireless communication, which
enables the transmission of data quickly and securely
via mobile devices, notebooks, keyboards, mice and
headphones.
- The range of Bluetooth is only a few meters.
Ethernet cable
- Ethernet cables use twisted pairs of copper wires and
connectors, similar to telephones.
- They are commonly used for connecting networked
computers in businesses.
Wan:
For example:
optical fiber
DSL
cable
3G and 4G
Satellite
Satellite Internet
- This is used in places where conventional Internet is
not available.
- Its area of coverage is global, since the satellites are
in space and have an extended reach.
Optical fiber
- An extremely thin fiber optic cable, comparable to the
thickness of a hair.
- Unlike twisted pair cable, optical fiber does not
conduct electricity, instead transmitting the data
through light. Optical fiber reaches great distances,
even overseas.
3G and 4G
- 3G technology is very common today with regard to
mobile phones and Internet. It is an acronym that
represents the third generation of mobile phone
standards and technology, replacing 2G.
- With this technology, voice transmission and data is
enhanced, offering greater connection speeds, among
other features, such as broadcast television signals,
voice calls, three-dimensional games, and faster
downloading of music and videos, etc.
- 4G technology is represented by technologies that
provide Internet connections with very high speeds.
Therefore, 4G mobile networks achieve speeds close
to those of cable or DSL modem connections.
- 4G allows access to multimedia content, such as HD
videos much faster, as well as video-conferencing and
music directly from the Internet, etc.
DSL
- An always-on service, which does not require you to
dial each time you need to connect to the Internet.
- It uses existing copper phone lines to provide digital
communication of high speed data between end users
and telephone companies.
- Voice signals and data are transmitted on different
frequencies through copper telephone wires.
Cable
- An Internet connection though cable that does not use
phone lines.
- A cable connection uses coaxial cable lines,
originally developed for transporting television
images via cable.
- A cable modem connects your computer to the ISP,
and as a DSL network, cable offers high speeds and
an always available service, which means that even
when the connection is not in use, the Internet
connection is still available.
To connect equipment to the Internet securely, install
a firewall and pay attention to the event logs it generates.
Additionally, you must install and maintain a good
anti-virus program!
Electronic mail, or ”email”, is a service through which
people exchange messages over the Internet.
- This can be done via the Web (Web mail), or by using
specific software called ”email clients”.
POP and IMAP: Communication protocols that retrieve
messages from an email server and pass them to an email
client.
SMTP: Communication protocol to send messages from
the email client to the email server. It is also a
communication protocol between email servers.
Structure of Email Address
1. Switch
User Name
This is the login name chosen by the user when
creating an email account.
For example, my username is Switch.
2. at [@] (@)
This is the symbol that separates the user name from
the domain.
3. Domain
This is the name registered by the company that offers
the email service.
For example, gmail.com.
The mailbox, where emails are stored, consists of the
following items:
Inbox: stores messages that are received
Outbox: stores messages that have not been sent
Sent Emails: stores messages that were sent
Draft: stores messages that you have not finished
writing
Trash: stores deleted messages
Netiquette is a set of manners that are part of general
agreements for full communication in virtual
environments (emails, chats and forums), which means
etiquette in the virtual network.
See what is not cool! - The virus depends on the execution of the host
 Avoid writing EXCLUSIVELY WITH CAPITAL program or file so it can become active and continue
LETTERS, and with exaggerated emphasis. Besides the infection process.
being extremely tiresome to read, it means that the
author is "screaming", which may offend the Check the table for some file extensions that may indicate
recipient. danger. In these cases, you should not click (run) the files
 Do not resend advertisements, chain letters, or other that are included as an attachment in a message.
similar messages.
 When asking a question, never be arrogant or rude.
 Do not avoid a subject, even when it is unpleasant. In
cases like this, the conversation should be completed
to show that the message was read.
 Where offense is caused, do not retaliate.
 Avoid abbreviations of words, e.g. “y”, “u”, “2”,
“lt8r”, etc.
 Avoid long messages, as this makes for tiring reading.
If a longer message is needed, leave a blank line
between some text phrases, dividing it into
paragraphs. This way, the text will be more organized
and easier to read.

See what’s cool, and what you should therefore always

do!
 Sources of papers used as references should be cited.
If you wish to make the full text available, please
indicate the website or the bibliography, in the case of
printed books and chapters.
 The text should always be clear and consistent.
 When replying to a message, put the recipient's name
at the beginning of the sentence.
 Attention to language rules is essential, so use
spellcheck. Reading text without punctuation,
particularly when it is long, is awkward, and more
importantly, the chances of it being misinterpreted are
increased.
 Try to express yourself clearly, and try to maintain the
context of the discussion.
 Give respect in order to be respected, and treat others
as you wish to be treated.

Spam - This refers to unsolicited emails, which are

usually sent to a large number of people.

Phishing - This is a form of electronic fraud,

characterized by attempts to acquire personal data of
various kinds, e.g. passwords, financial data, etc.
- The consists of a scammer impersonating a person or
trusted company by sending official electronic
communication. This occurs in several ways, mainly
by email, instant message, SMS, etc.

Virus - This is a program or part of a computer program,

usually malicious, that spreads by inserting copies of
itself, and becoming part of other programs and files.